Commonwealth Computer Navigator's Certificate/Milestone 3/Swot Module 5

This analysis is based on the Open ICDL Module 5

Guidelines for the analysis can be found at Guidelines for SWOT Analysis of Open ICDL

Strengths

• Recognizes importance of describing tables, primary keys, indexes, etc. early in learning module.
• Uses exercises to reinforce important concepts.
• Excellent use of screen captures to explain concepts
• the level of information seems appropriate for the adult student, though it could provide a more explanation of the concepts.

Weaknesses

• no examples or rationale to explains the why for database design
• no visuals or screencast explaining complex subjects
• more attention paid to different learning styles of; visual, auditory and kinesthetic
• no anchor subject for database design examples
• lack of depth when explaining design decisions of table design, key definition & table relations
• lack of details of how to integrate database with other OpenOffice applications

Design and development issues

• having an anchor subject as an example would further engage the learner
  • include forms and reports based on anchor subject
• provide greater detail regarding the whys and hows of database design
• include discussion with examples of database normalization
  • first, second and third normal forms
• increase usage of diagrams and screen shots
• have students engage in exercises sooner
• make available and example database application